Starts atFrom $22.99/mo
- No free option listed
Head-to-head
Adobe Premiere Pro vs DaVinci Resolve: which desktop editor should you pay for?
At a glance
Starts atFree
- Free option listed
- No watermark on free exports
DaVinci Resolve is free and edits up to Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps, with no watermark. Resolve Studio is a one-time $295. Adobe Premiere Pro is subscription only, at US$22.99/month on an annual plan. Over two years, Premiere costs about $552. Resolve costs $0 or $295 once.
Quick verdict
- Choose DaVinci Resolve if you want pro editing for $0, or one payment and no subscription.
- Choose Adobe Premiere Pro if you already work in Adobe apps or share projects with editors who use Premiere.
- Both run on Mac and Windows. Only Resolve runs on Linux.
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Adobe Premiere Pro | DaVinci Resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Premiere: US$22.99/month, annual plan billed monthly. Creative Cloud Pro: US$34.99/month promo (regularly US$69.99) | Free. Studio: $295 one-time |
| Free plan | No. 7-day free trial | Yes, the full free version |
| Max resolution | Not limited on Adobe's plans page | Free: Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 up to 60 fps. Studio: up to 32K at 120 fps |
| Watermark | No watermark on paid plan | No watermark on free exports |
| AI tools | 25 generative credits a month on the Premiere plan | AI Neural Engine features are in Studio |
| Platforms | Mac and Windows | Mac, Windows and Linux |
| Commercial use | Yes, with a paid plan | Yes, free and Studio |
| Best for | Adobe users, teams and agencies | Solo creators, color grading, no subscription |
For Shorts, TikTok and Reels
Both editors can cut 9:16 vertical video. Free Resolve covers 4K at 60 fps, which is more than TikTok or Shorts need. Studio matters only if you want 10-bit formats, AI Neural Engine tools or multi-GPU speed.
Premiere makes sense if you also use Photoshop or After Effects for thumbnails and motion graphics, since Creative Cloud Pro bundles them. If you only edit video, Resolve free saves you $275.88 a year compared with the Premiere plan.
How to choose
- Start with DaVinci Resolve free. It costs nothing to find out if you like it.
- If you hit the free limits (10-bit footage, AI features, 120 fps), buy Studio once for $295.
- Pick Premiere if a client, team or school uses Adobe, or you need other Adobe apps in the same plan.
- Try Premiere with the 7-day trial before committing to a 12-month plan.
Common questions
Is DaVinci Resolve really free?
Yes. The free version edits and exports up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps with no watermark. Studio adds higher resolutions, 10-bit formats and AI tools for $295 one-time.
Can I buy Premiere Pro without a subscription?
No. Adobe sells Premiere by subscription only. The plans page shows no one-time purchase.
Is Premiere Pro better than DaVinci Resolve for YouTube?
Neither is better for every creator. Premiere fits Adobe workflows. Resolve gives you the same kind of timeline editing for $0, plus stronger color tools.
Related: CapCut vs Premiere Pro, CapCut vs DaVinci Resolve, desktop video editors.
Sources: adobe.com/products/premiere/plans.html, blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/studio. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.